Welcome to our first Act Early DC Newsletter!
November 2021
What is "Learn the Signs. Act Early." and Act Early DC?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” (LTSAE) program aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities so children and families can get the services and support they need.

Act Early DC is a public service campaign to support and collaborate with DC early childhood programs that support families and child development to advance developmental monitoring and support developmental screening. We do not provide services but work in the DC area to deliver the CDC’s LTSAE program to educate families and professionals about developmental milestones and the importance of developmental screening and acting when there is a concern with a baby, toddler or child’s development.
The NEW Act Early DC Website is NOW LIVE!!!!

The all new Act Early DC website launched on Monday, November 15th. The website aims to support families in navigating the four key steps of early identification: 1) parent-engaged developmental monitoring, 2) developmental and autism screening, 3) referral, and 4) receipt of early intervention services for children birth to 5, across early childhood systems. The website is available in English and Spanish.
Yoga for Black and African American Parents and Caregivers

The Act Early DC Response Team Project will be hosting quarterly yoga sessions for Black and African American parents and caregivers over the next year to improve resiliency.

These 90-minute rest sessions will be led by Adriana Adele, a registered yoga teacher. Adriana will lead participants in gentle reclined and seated movement, a breath practice, and restorative yoga. To learn more about what to expect during the session, please check out Adriana's Breathe and Rest Guide.

The first session will be held on Thursday, December 2nd from 7-8:30pm on Zoom. Participation is free, but space is limited, and participants will be expected to complete a survey after each session.

If you are interested in joining these yoga sessions, register here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/BreatheandRest1
CDC's FREE Milestone Tracker App

Is your baby’s or young child’s development on track for his or her age?

Young children grow so fast it can be hard to know what to expect. With the newly updated FREE Milestone Tracker app from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can learn how children play, learn, speak, act, and move as they grow and how you can support your child’s development.

CDC’s FREE app for parents and care providers offers:
  • Interactive milestone checklists in English and Spanish for children ages 2 months through 5 years;
  • The ability to adjust the checklist age if your child was born prematurely;
  • Photos and videos that illustrate each milestone and make tracking them for your child easy and fun;
  • Your child’s milestone summary to share with others, like your child’s health care provider;
  • Tips and activities that can help your child’s development;
  • Information on what to do if you have a concern about your child’s development;
  • Reminders for appointments and developmental screening; and
  • New milestone countdowns and custom user profiles

Meet our Partners:
Strong Start and Early Stages

Strong Start is the early intervention program in DC. It is administered through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Division of Early Learning.

Strong Start works with DC families, childcare providers, and medical professionals to identify children under the age of three who have, or are at risk of having, developmental disabilities or delays. You can learn more by watching the video.
Early Stages is an evaluation center that works with families to identify and address developmental delays in children between the ages of 2 years 8 months and 5 years 10 months.

A program of DC Public Schools, Early Stages provides evaluations for DC residents who have not yet entered the school system or are currently home schooled. Early Stages also serves families residing outside of DC if their children attend a DC private school or DC child care center. All of the services are completely free. You can learn more by watching the video.